iTunes Update Brings Final 3.0 Firmware Compatibility

Apple WWDC 2009 is less than one week away and look what just happened to turn up...

Version 8.2 of iTunes is being pushed to Mac and PC users as we speak and the big news is it "now supports iPhone or iPod touch with the iPhone 3.0 Software Update." Yep, firmware 3.0 is clearly very close to release.

For those with memories like machine gunned sieves v3.0 is the biggest OS shake up in the iPhone's short history bringing a wide array of welcome and also long overdue fixes. Highlights include turn-by-turn GPS directions, A2DP Bluetooth support (on the iPhone 3G), copy & paste, MMS, video recording, enhanced data detectors, push notifications, email and calendar searches (over IMAP if necessary), notes synchronisation, in app purchasing and Mobile Spotlight to search for content on the handset and across iTunes and the App Store. For more check out the full firmware 3.0 feature list.

Naturally the big question will now switch to whether we'll get a new third generation iPhone at WWDC as well. The timing seems right so, even if not, I suspect an announcement will come in June.

For iPod Classic, nano and shuffle owners you'll be pleased to know "iTunes 8.2 also includes many accessibility improvements and bug fixes". Errr, exciting stuff.

In related news Engadget is reporting leaks from "a trusted source" that new iPhones will debut in capacities ranging from just 4GB to 32GB in an effort to expand its market reach. Personally I'd be tempted to fit a microSD slot, limited native memory and a few more form factors - but, then again, this is Apple...